Editorial Commentary: In-Office Needle Ankle Arthroscopy May Be Better, Simpler, and Less Expensive.

Orthopaedic surgeons have always been on the cutting edge of innovation in health care delivery and technology. In turn, the orthopaedic device industry has responded with new products that deliver better quality at competitive prices. Numerous examples of collaboration exist such as in outpatient joint replacement and minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures. In-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) for knees and ankles has been in existence since the 1990s but was hampered by poor image quality and a cumbersome-to-use technology. Now with improved technology for IONA, ankle IONA allows adequate visualization of all pertinent ankle joint structures, allowing reach of 96% of the talus surface and 85% of the tibia plafond, and may show greater accuracy than preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The majority of cost of an arthroscopy episode of care may reside with the "facility" fee charged for the use of an operating room, personnel, and related equipment. Surgeons and their patients pay higher fees to use hospital or outpatient centers, sometimes with increased inefficiency or more adverse events. IONA may allow orthopaedic surgeons to deliver better services at a reduced cost for ankle arthroscopy.

Donor site morbidity of calcaneal, distal tibial, and proximal tibial cancellous bone autografts in foot and ankle surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2296 bone grafts.

PURPOSE: This study aims to report on the safety and donor site morbidity of the distal lower extremity (calcaneal, proximal, and distal tibial) cancellous bone autografts. We summarized the findings in a comprehensive infographic illustration. We are unaware of any similar meta-analyses to date. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, two independent investigators searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases in December 2020 using the following keywords and their synonyms: ("bone graft", "donor site morbidity", "calcaneal graft", "proximal tibia graft", and "distal tibia graft"). Besides, the reference lists from previous review articles were searched manually for eligible studies. The primary outcomes of interest were (1) chronic pain, (2) fracture, and (3) infection, whereas the secondary outcomes were (1) neurological complications, (2) sensory disturbance and hypertrophic scars, (3) other complications such as shoe-wear difficulties and gait disturbance. Inclusion criteria were: studies on complications and adverse events of lower extremity bone autografts (calcaneal, proximal tibial, and distal tibial bone autografts) reporting at least one of the desired outcomes. Studies not reporting any of the outcomes of interest or if the full text is not available in English were excluded. Studies reporting on bone marrow aspirate or autografts for non-orthopedic indications were also excluded. RESULTS: After the removal of duplicates, a total of 5981 studies were identified. After screening those records, 85 studies remained for full-text assessment. Out of those, 15 studies qualified for the meta-analysis with a total of 2296 bone grafts. Out of those grafts, 1557(67.8%) were calcaneal grafts, 625 (27.2%) were proximal tibial grafts, and 114 (5%) were distal tibial grafts. In calcaneal bone grafts, there were 28 cases of chronic pain [1.97%, CI:1.10-2.50%, I2 = 66%], 5 fractures [0.32%, CI: 0.10-0.60%,I2 = 0%], 20 sural neuritis [1.28%, CI:0.70-1.80%, I2 = 0%), and no wound infections. In proximal tibial grafts there were 13 cases of chronic pain [2.08%, CI: 1.01-3.2%, I2 = 34.5%], 1 fracture [0.16%, CI:0.10-0.50%, I2 = 0%], and 3 superficial wound infections [0.48%, CI: 0.10-1.01, I2 = 0%]. In the distal tibial grafts there were no cases of chronic pain or wound infections, 1 fracture [0.90%, CI: 0.80-2.6%, I2 = 0%], and 5 saphenous neuritis [4.5%, CI: 0.70-8.40%, I2 = 65%]. CONCLUSION: Calcaneal, distal tibial, and proximal tibial bone autografts are safe with a low rate of overall and major complications. We report an overall complication rate of 6.8%, which is less than half of that previously reported for iliac crest grafts. The authors recommend using distal lower extremity grafts for foot and ankle primary surgeries instead of iliac crest grafts when indicated. Clinical trials with a large sample size are required.

Locked intramedullary nailing provides superior functional outcomes and lower complication rates than plate fixation of distal fibula fractures. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies on the outcomes and complications of locked IMNs in comparison to ORIF using plates and screws, while avoiding limitations of similar published reviews. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two independent team members electronically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases throughout May 2021 using the following keywords with their synonyms: "Ankle fracture fixation" AND "Open reduction and internal fixation", "locked intramedullary nail", or "complications". The primary outcomes were (1) functional outcomes, (2) complications, and (3) reoperation, while the secondary outcomes were: (1) union rate, and (2) cost. INCLUSION CRITERIA: comparative studies on outcomes and complications of plate open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) vs. locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) of ankle fractures reporting at least one of the following parameters: functional outcomes, complications (infection, dehiscence, reoperation etc.), union, and cost. Studies reporting on non-locked intramedullary fibular nails were also excluded. RESULTS: After the removal of duplicates, a total of 1461 studies were identified. After screening those records, 63 studies remained for full-text assessment. Out of those, four comparative studies with a total of 262 ankle fractures met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The mean 12 months postoperative Olerud and Molander Ankle Scores (OMAS) were reported by two studies, with a statistically significant difference in favor of IMNs (MD= 6.72, CI: 3.77-9.67, p<0.001, I2= 94%). In the ORIF group, the overall complication rate was 39/134 (29.1%) vs. 10/128 (7.8%) in the IMN group, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the IMN group (RR=3.23, CI:1.71-6.11, p<0.001, I2=34%). In the ORIF group, the overall infection rate was 11/134 (8.2%), while there were no infections in the IMN group, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the IMN group (RR=8.05, CI:1.51-42.82, p=0.01, I2=0%). In the ORIF group, the overall reoperation rate was 10/134 (7.5%) while the overall reoperation rate was 6/128 (4.7%) in the IMN group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (RR=1.49, CI: 0.60-3.70, p = 0.39, I2=0%). CONCLUSION: Locked intramedullary nail fixation of distal fibula fractures could provide superior functional outcomes and lower complication rates in comparison to open reduction and plate fixation. Despite the high incidence of ankle fractures, the number of high-quality comparative studies remains limited in literature, especially on newer locked fibular nails, and large multicentric clinical trials are required before recommending locked IMNs as the new standard of care in distal fibula fractures.

Sport activity levels following ankle fusion.

PURPOSE: Ankle arthrodesis (AA) is frequently employed in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis, which is common following trauma and athletic injuries. While AA remains a popular therapeutic option, little data exists about activity and sporting capacity following AA. The objective of this research was to determine functional outcomes and sporting activity levels in patients following Ankle Arthrodesis. METHODS: Validated questionnaires were emailed to 35 patients with a history of AA at an average follow-up of 52 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), as well as the associated FADI-Sport. Responses were compared to those from a control population of RESULTS: 24 patients scheduled for AA, at an average pre-operative visit of three months. Activity levels were assessed prior to injury as well as pre- and post-operatively using the Tegner activity level scale. Average Tegner scores of the 35 surgical patients decreased from 3.82 ± 0.38 before their injury, to 1.15 ± 0.19 immediately pre-op, with recovery to 2.67 ± 0.26 following fusion. Average post arthrodesis FADI and FADI-sport scores in our patients were 76.5 ± 3.19% and 33.8 ± 23.06%. For the pre-operative control population, corresponding scores were 47.41 ± 2.61% and 22.24 ± 1.03%. Following AA, we found that patients improved upon their pre-op Tegner score, although they did not return to their pre-injury level of sporting participation. Additionally, patients reported that they had no current dysfunction with their lower leg. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing Ankle Arthrodesis should expect improved lower leg function, though will not likely return to their pre-injury level of activity.

Return to sport following navicular stress fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of three hundred and fifteen fractures.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aims to provide updated evidence on the success rate, return to play (RTP) rate, time to RTP, and complications of operatively and conservatively managed navicular stress fractures (NSFs) as well as delays in diagnosis while avoiding limitations of previous similar studies. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two independent team members electronically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases throughout February 2021 using the following keywords with their synonyms: "Navicular stress fracture," "return to play," and "athletes." The primary outcomes were (1) management success rate, (2) RTP rate, and (3) time to RTP. The secondary outcomes were (1) non-union, (2) time to diagnosis, (3) refracture, and (4) other complications. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies on NSFs reporting at least one of the desirable outcomes. Studies not reporting any of the outcomes of interest or the full text was not available in English, German, French, or Arabic were excluded. Case reports, case series with less than ten cases, and studies reporting exclusively on navicular non-union management were also excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment while Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4 was used for the risk of bias assessment. Data were presented by type of treatment (surgical or conservative). If enough studies were present that were clinically and statistically homogeneous and data on them adequately reported, a meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. In case of statistical heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used. If meta-analysis was not possible, results were reported in a descriptive fashion. The need to explore for statistical heterogeneity was determined by an I2 greater than 40%. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 315 NSF. Out of those, 307 (97.46%) NSFs were in athletes. One hundred eight (34.29%) NSFs were managed operatively, while 207 (65.71%) NSFs were managed conservatively. Successful outcomes were reported in 104/108 (96.30%) NSF treated operatively with a mean success rate of 97.9% (CI: 95.4-100%, I2 = 0%). Successful outcomes were reported in 149/207 (71.98%) NSF treated conservatively, with a mean success rate of 78.1% (CI: 66.6-89.6%, I2 = 84.93%). Successful outcome differences were found to be significant in favor of operative management (OR = 5.52, CI: 1.74-17.48, p = 0.004, I2 = 4.6%). RTP was noted in 97/98 (98.98%) NSF treated operatively and in 152/207 (73.43%) NSF treated conservatively, with no significant difference between operative and conservative management (OR = 2.789, CI: 0.80-9.67, p = 0.142, I2 = 0%). The pooled mean time to RTP in NSF treated operatively was 4.17 months (CI: 3.06-5.28, I2 = 92.88%), while NSF treated conservatively returned to play at 4.67 months (CI: 0.97-8.37, I2 = 99.46%) postoperatively, with no significant difference between operative and conservative management (SMD = - 0.397, CI: - 1.869-1.075, p = 0.60, I2 = 92.24). The pooled mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 9.862 (3.3-123.6) months (CI: 6.45-13.28, I2 = 94.92%), reported in ten studies. Twenty (23.53%) refractures were reported after conservative management of 85 NSFs, while one (1.28%) refracture was reported after operative management of 78 NSFs, with a significant difference in favor of operative management (OR = 0.083, CI: 0.007-0.973, p = 0.047, I2 = 38.78%). CONCLUSION: Operative management of NSF provides a higher success rate, a lower refracture rate, and a lower non-union rate as compared to other non-operative management options. While not significant, there is a notable trend towards superior RTP rates and time to RTP following operative management. Therefore, we recommend operative fixation for all NSFs type I through III in athletes. Athletes continue to exhibit an alarmingly long duration of symptoms before diagnosis is made; a high index of suspicion must be maintained, therefore, and adjunct CT imaging is strongly recommended in the case of any work-up. Unfortunately, the published literature on NSFs remains of lower level of evidence and high-quality studies are needed.

Surgical Treatment of Talus OCL: Mid- to Long-Term Clinical Outcome With Detailed Analyses of Return to Sport.

Talus osteochondral lesions are a commonly underdiagnosed problem in young athletes. Talus osteochondral lesions surgical algorithm remains controversial. Current metrics suggest that conventional treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus is promising; yet return to sport is poorly studied. Fifty-seven patients following talus osteochondral lesion surgical intervention were included in this study. About 63.1% were female with mean age 37.1 years, mean lesion size 10 × 12.5 mm, and mean follow-up 79.9 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into 4 groups by surgery performed: antegrade arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation, retrograde arthroscopic drilling, osteochondral autograft transfer, and allograft cartilage implantation. Outcome metrics include Visual Analog Scale for pain and function, Short Form-12, Foot and Ankle Disability Scale, Tegner, Marx activity scores, Naal Sports inventory, and patient satisfaction. Over 77% of patients were satisfied with surgical intervention. Each intervention significantly decreased pain and increased function, except retrograde drilling. All interventions trended toward decreased Tegner score; only antegrade drilling showed significant decrease. Based on Naal's sports inventory, 85.7% of surgically treated patients reported participating in sport activities, on average 3 times/week and 50.6 minutes/session. Traditionally, talus osteochondral lesions present a difficult problem that is marred by unsatisfactory nonoperative outcomes in typically active patients. As our surgical understanding has evolved, we've continued to improve on outcomes. Our patients demonstrated 77.2% overall satisfaction rate, a statistically significant improvement in pain and function, at an average follow-up of 79.9 months postoperatively, and a high rate of return to sport with little difference between surgical interventions.

Do Not Judge an Ossicle by Its Size: Type 1 Ossicles Associated With Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type II navicular ossicles have traditionally been considered to be symptomatic, whereas patients with type I and III bones are considered asymptomatic without additional relevant imaging findings. The main objective of this study is to investigate the association of type I os naviculare with clinical symptomology and magnetic resonance imaging findings in comparison to types II and III ossicles. METHODS: Three hundred nine subjects with accessory navicular bone types were identified, and their associations with focal navicular pain, pes planus alignment, ossicle or proximal navicular bone marrow edema pattern presence (BMEP), and posterior tibial tendon (PTT) sheath fluid distension were assessed. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical data and unpaired t tests for continuous data. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 28% (85/309) of type I, 57% (176/309) of type II, and 16% (48/309) of type III accessory bones had focal navicular pain (type I vs type II, P = 0.17; type III vs type II, P = 0.001). Thirty-two percent of type I, 38% type II, and 8% type III accessory bones had pes planus (type I vs II, P = 0.3; type III vs type II, P = 0.001). Nine percent of type I, 48% of type II, and 6% of type III accessory bones had BMEP (type I vs II, P < 0.0001; type III vs type II, P = 0.001). Thirty-three percent of type I, 42% of type II, and 6% of type III accessory bones had PTT intrasheath fluid (type I vs II, P = 0.16; type III vs type II, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic type I navicular ossicle patients demonstrate an increased tendency to present with early findings of PTT dysfunction and morphologic pes planus to a greater degree than previously recognized. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Editorial Commentary: Considering Fatigue When Assessing Athletes for Dynamic Knee Valgus: Is This the Next Big Step in Identifying Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk?

Excessive dynamic knee valgus during jumping is a poor movement strategy that has been well-documented as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury. Yet, there has been little progress in the translation of findings from high-tech motion capture laboratories to clinically applicable settings. One barrier to widespread use is expensive technology that requires time; therefore, field-based efficient assessment tools that can be used by several types of clinicians are desperately needed. Further, fatigue can influence dynamic knee valgus and should be considered when assessing or conditioning athletes.

Technique Tip: How to Avoid Excessive Distal Tibia Cut During Total Ankle Replacement.

Several total ankle arthroplasty systems rely on an extramedullary cutting guide that must be placed precisely to gauge the amount of distal tibia excised. While each technique guide offers granular instruction to ensure an accurate assessment of the distal tibia bone cut, it is not typically clear whether the Angel Wing should be placed medially or laterally with respect to the ankle and/or the X-ray beam. We found that placing the Angel Wing guide ipsilateral to the X-ray beam leads to added magnification of the guide with respect to the tibia. This magnification may result in a larger than intended resection of bone and subsequent placement of the implant in a more proximal position. A more proximal position of the distal tibial cutting guide leads to the implant interfacing with softer bone and an increased risk for implant subsidence. Given this risk and the possible effect of increased magnification on the extramedullary cutting guide, we strongly advise the surgeon to place the guide contralateral to the X-ray beam with respect to the tibia during total ankle arthroplasty.

In vivo Sonographic Characterization of The Achilles Tendons in Healthy Young Collegiate Athletes as a Function of Ankle Position.

This study aims to describe the normative Achilles tendon properties in a collegiate subject cohort. Achilles tendon evaluations in 65 asymptomatic college-level athletes by ultrasound B mode on two tendon positions (neutral state and active maximum dorsiflexion). Correlation was made to BMI, tibial/foot length, maximal calf circumference, type of sports, resting/maximal dorsiflexion-plantar flexion angles among other factors. The mean Achilles tendon length was found to be 14.9 cm, mean transverse dimension of 1.38 cm, thickness of 0.49 cm and cross-sectional area of 0.61 cm2 in the relaxed state. Males had greater tendon length than the female athletes (15.5 (M) vs 14.3cm (F) in the relaxed position and 16.1 (M) vs 15.2cm (F) in the stretched position), tendon width (1.4 vs 1.3 cm), tendon thickness (0.51 vs 0.46 cm), tendon cross-sectional area (0.65 vs 0.57 cm2) and foot length (27.6 cm vs 26.6 cm). The Achilles tendon parameters such as length in the relaxed state had a statistically significant correlation with the height, weight, and foot length, while the tendon length in the dorsiflexed-stretched position had a statistically significant relationship to foot length, tibia length, calf circumference and range of motion (both in maximum dorsiflexion and plantar flexion positions; p < .05 for all comparison). Differences in the correlation between the Achilles tendon parameters and body habitus was recorded as a function of ankle position. Tendon dimensions and cross-sectional areas were larger in male vs female athletes. Calf circumferences and Achilles tendon resting angle were outlined. No significant difference was found in the Achilles tendon dimensions regardless of the leg dominance with similar range of motion regardless of athlete gender.

Editorial Commentary: The Amsterdam Achilles Tendinopathy Endoscopic Treatment: Should We Start Booking Our Patients for Surgery?

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy remains an elusive clinical and pathologic condition, with only a limited treatment algorithm to guide us. Although the risk factors and natural history have been documented, the exact etiology and source of pain generation remains unclear in the literature. Several Level I studies have shown reasonable success with a myriad of nonoperative treatments over the long term. Surgery is often reserved as the last resort for those who have failed nonoperative treatment, with mixed techniques and results. The endoscopic surgery literature for this condition is lacking, and more studies are needed to clarify the proper indications, techniques, and results of this disabling problem.

The Achilles Tendon in Healthy Subjects: An Anthropometric and Ultrasound Mapping Study.

Ultrasonography is an inexpensive, fast, and reliable imaging technique widely used to assess the Achilles tendon. Although significant data exists regarding pathologic tendon changes, ultrasound data from healthy individuals are more limited. We aimed to better characterize ultrasound Achilles tendon measurements in healthy individuals and identify important correlating factors. The information collected included patient demographics, body habitus, activity level, foot dominance, and resting ankle angle. Ultrasound analysis was performed bilaterally on the Achilles tendons of 50 subjects using a high-frequency transducer to measure tendon width, thickness, cross-sectional area, and length. Males had a significantly larger mean tendon length, width, thickness, and cross-sectional area. No statistically significant difference was found in any tendon dimension between the white and black participants. Similarly, no difference was found in any tendon parameter when comparing right versus left leg dominance. Healthy subjects had a mean ankle resting angle of 45.1° ± 24° with no statistically significant difference between right and left ankles. Considering all individuals, each tendon parameter (tendon length, width, thickness, and cross-sectional area) correlated positively with subject height, weight, tibia length, and foot size. Only the Achilles cross-sectional area correlated significantly with the activity level. The resting angle of the ankle correlated positively with both tendon length and thickness. In conclusion, we found significant variations in Achilles tendon anatomy in the healthy adult population. We have thoroughly characterized significant correlations between healthy tendon dimensions and various body habitus, activity levels, and ankle parameters. Greater knowledge of the normal Achilles tendon anatomy and characterization of its variations in the healthy population will potentially allow for better pathologic diagnosis and surgical repair.

The Gift Box Open Achilles Tendon Repair Method: A Retrospective Clinical Series.

Previous biomechanical studies have shown that the gift box technique for open Achilles tendon repair is twice as strong as a Krackow repair. The technique incorporates a paramedian skin incision with a midline paratenon incision, and a modification of the Krackow stitch is used to reinforce the repair. The wound is closed in layers such that the paratenon repair is offset from paramedian skin incision, further protecting the repair. The present study retrospectively reviews the clinical results for a series of patients who underwent the gift box technique for treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures from March 2002 to April 2007. The patients completed the Foot Function Index and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale. The tendon width and calf circumference were measured bilaterally and compared using paired t tests with a 5% α level. A total of 44 subjects, mean age 37.5 ± 8.6 years, underwent surgery approximately 10.8 ± 6.5 days after injury. The response rate was 35 (79.54%) patients for the questionnaire and 20 (45.45%) for the examination. The mean follow-up period was 35.7 ± 20.1 months. The complications included one stitch abscess, persistent pain, and keloid formation. One (2.86%) respondent reported significant weakness. Five (14.29%) respondents indicated persistent peri-incisional numbness. The range of motion was full or adequate. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale score was 93.2 ± 6.8) and the mean Foot Function Index score was 7.0 ± 10.5. The calf girth and tendon width differences were statistically significantly between the limbs. The patients reported no repeat ruptures, sural nerve injuries, dehiscence, or infections. We present the outcomes data from patients who had undergone this alternative technique for Achilles tendon repair. The technique is reproducible, with good patient satisfaction and return to activity. The results compared well with the historical repeat rupture rates and incidence of nerve injury and dehiscence for open and percutaneous Achilles tendon repairs.

Clinical outcomes in high flexion total knee arthroplasty were not superior to standard posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. A multicenter, prospective, randomized study.

High flexion prostheses have been introduced to achieve high flexion and improve clinical outcomes. Controversy exists in the literature regarding outcomes of high flexion vs. standard implants. This multicenter study compares outcomes in patients receiving a high flexion prosthesis vs. standard prosthesis. 278 high flexion and standard knee prostheses were used. Patients were followed for two years and evaluated prospectively. The mean HSS was 87.3 for the standard group and 88.9 for the flexion group. At two-year follow up the standard prosthesis group had mean flexion of 121° and the high flexion group had mean flexion 120°. No knee had aseptic loosening, infection, or osteolysis. At two-year follow up, there were no significant differences in range of motion, clinical outcome, or radiographic evaluation. Pre-operative motion and functional status have greater impact on clinical outcome than implant alone.

Metatarsophalangeal Arthroplasty in Hallux Rigidus.

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthroplasty provides hallux rigidus patients with pain relief and preserved motion, offering an alternative to arthrodesis. Recent advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques have broadened treatment options. Although good outcomes have been documented in the literature, concerns persist regarding increased complications, uncertain long-term efficacy, and challenges in managing failed arthroplasties. Addressing bone loss resulting from the procedure further complicates salvage procedures. Larger cohorts and extended studies are necessary to establish efficacy of first MTPJ arthroplasty. Decisions must weigh the trade-offs between pain relief and potential complications, requiring thorough patient-surgeon discussions.

Salvage Reconstruction of a 12-cm Tendon Defect Following Chronic Achilles Rerupture-15-Year Follow-Up: A Case Report.

CASE: A 39-year-old man with a chronic Achilles rupture status post (1) failed primary repair and (2) secondary xenograft repair with graft rejection, resulting in a 12-cm Achilles tendon defect, which was reconstructed utilizing an Achilles bone block allograft and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer. At 15-year follow-up, the patient reported good functionality and satisfaction with the repair, with positive patient-reported outcome measures. Physical examination revealed excellent strength and range of motion. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the integrity and incorporation of the Achilles/FHL graft composite. CONCLUSION: This case study provides valuable insight into successful long-term management of complex chronic Achilles ruptures with large defects.

Radiographic evaluation of INBONE total ankle arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis of 30 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this work were to retrospectively describe the radiographic assessment of INBONE total ankle arthroplasty in 30 patients using validated linear and angular measurements and to correlate these findings with the final surgical outcome over a 2-year follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (21 females, nine males; mean age, 64.8 years) underwent INBONE total ankle arthroplasty during 2007-2011. After IRB approval, a retrospective pre- and post-operative radiographic analysis was performed using validated linear and angular measurements. The pre- and post-operative assessment included the tibial angle, talar angle, tibial slope, and coronal deformity. Post-operative measurements also included the talocalcaneal angle, joint space height, talar height, lateral tibial component angle, lateral talar component angle, and anteroposterior tibial component angle. The post-operative bone loss, subluxation, positioning, and subsidence were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using two-sample t test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Out of 30 patients, 23 had a successful clinical outcome with intact prosthesis at a 2-year follow-up. The only variables with significant correlation (p < 0.05) to the post-surgical outcome were the lateral talar component angle (p = 0.002) and the mean difference between pre- and post-operative tibial slope (p = 0.001). The coronal deformity had significant mean difference between pre- and post-operative values (p < 0.001); however, it lacked a significant correlation to the final surgical outcome. None of the categorical variables had a significant correlation with post-surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective study, only the lateral talar component angle and the mean difference between the pre- and post-operative tibial slope had significant correlation with post-surgical outcome in INBONE ankle arthroplasty. These measurements may be helpful in radiographic assessment of the INBONE ankle arthroplasty.

Outcomes and Complications of Open Versus Minimally Invasive Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: An acute Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most common sports injuries, affecting 18 per 100,000 persons, and its operative repair has been evolving and increasing in frequency since the mid-1900s. Traditionally, open surgical repair has provided improved functional outcomes, reduced rerupture rates, and a quicker recovery and return to activities at the expense of increased wound complications such as infections and skin necrosis compared with nonoperative management. In 1977, Ma and Griffith introduced the percutaneous approach, and over the following decades, multiple improved techniques, and modifications thereof, have been described with comparable outcomes with open repair. PURPOSE: The current study aimed to provide updated level 1 evidence comparing open repair with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) through a comprehensive search of the literature published in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and German while avoiding limitations of previous studies such as heterogeneous study designs and a small number of included trials. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 2 independent team members searched several databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing open repair and MIS of Achilles tendon ruptures. The primary outcomes were (1) functional outcomes, (2) reruptures, (3) sural nerve injuries, and (4) infections (deep/superficial), whereas the secondary outcomes were (1) skin complications, (2) adhesions, (3) other complications, (4) ankle range of motion, and (5) surgical time. RESULTS: There were 10 RCTs that qualified for the meta-analysis with a total of 522 patients. Overall, 260 (49.8%) patients underwent open repair, while 262 (50.2%) underwent MIS. The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 94.8 and 95.7 for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a nonsignificant difference (mean difference [MD], -0.73 [95% CI, -1.70 to 0.25]; P = .14; I2 = 0%). The pooled mean total complication rate was 15.5% (0%-36.4%) for open repair and 10.4% (0%-45.5%) for MIS, with a nonsignificant statistical difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.50 [95% CI, 0.87-2.57]; P = .14; I2 = 40%). The mean rerupture rate was 2.5% (0%-6.8%) for open repair versus 1.5% (0%-4.6%) for MIS, with a nonsignificant statistical difference (OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 0.42-5.70]; P = .50; I2 = 0%). No cases of sural nerve injuries were reported in the open repair group. The mean sural nerve injury rate was 3.4% (0%-7.3%) in the MIS group, which was statistically significant (OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.03-0.46]; P = .02; I2 = 0%). The mean overall superficial infection rate was 6.0% (0%-18.2%) and 0.4% (0%-4.5%) for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.80-18.02]; P < .001; I2 = 0%). The mean overall deep infection rate reported in the open repair group was 1.4% (0%-5.0%), while no deep infection was reported in the MIS group, with no statistically significant difference (OR, 3.14 [95% CI, 0.48-20.54]; P = .23; I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences between the open repair and MIS groups in the skin necrosis and dehiscence rate, adhesion rate, or keloid scar rate. The mean surgical time was 51.0 and 29.7 minutes for open repair and MIS, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (MD, 21.13 [95% CI, 15.50-26.75]; P < .001; I2 = 15%). CONCLUSION: Open Achilles tendon repair was associated with a longer surgical time, higher risk of superficial infections, and higher risk of ankle stiffness, while MIS was associated with a greater risk of temporary sural nerve palsy. The rerupture rate and functional outcomes were mostly equivalent. We found MIS to be a safe and reliable technique. However, high-quality standardized RCTs are still needed before recommending MIS as the gold standard for managing Achilles tendon ruptures.

Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Fails at a Greater Rate in Patients Younger Than 34 Years.

Purpose: To characterize the secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates after primary allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to identify the age cut-score at which the risk of allograft failure decreases. Methods: All patients who underwent primary ACLR within a single orthopaedic department between January 2005 and April 2020 were contacted at a minimum of 2 years post-ACLR to complete a survey regarding complications experienced post-surgery, activity level, and perceptions of knee health. Patients were excluded for incidence of previous ACLR (ipsilateral or contralateral) and/or age younger than 14 years. Relative proportions were calculated, binary regression analysis was performed, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify the threshold age for maximal sensitivity and specificity to predict high risk of allograft failure, defined as undergoing revision ACLR. Results: Of the 939 surveys completed, 398 patients underwent primary allograft ACLR (mean age 39.5 years; range 16.0-66.1 years; 54.3% female). The secondary ACL injury rate was 11.6% (5.8% ipsilateral revision ACLR, 5.8% contralateral ACL injury). Male and female patients had similar revision (5.5% male, 6.0% female, P = .82) and contralateral ACL injury rates (6.6% male, 5.1% female, P = .52). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that age ≤34 years was threshold for differentiating high risk of allograft failure (area under the curve 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.76; P = .014). Patients aged ≤34 years had a greater secondary injury rate than patients >34 years (20.4% (10.2% revision ACLR, 10.2% contralateral ACL injury) versus 6.9% (3.5% revision ACLR, 3.5% contralateral ACL injury; P < .001). Binary regression analysis demonstrated that decreasing age was associated with increased risk of graft failure (χ2 = 7.9, P = .02.). Conclusions: Allograft ACLR showed similar failure rates between sexes but displayed suboptimal graft failure outcomes in younger and active patients. By age 34 years, the increased revision risk for younger patients diminished. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.